Thursday, June 30, 2011

Jennifer Turner lives in Bowling Green, Ohio, with her husband, twelve year old daughter and two cats. She regularly claims one of the aforementioned takes far more work than the others to maintain – but she won’t share which one. She’s the middle child between two brothers, and the favorite child of her parents. Of course, that’s always subject to opinion. Jennifer began her writing career as a self-published romance author, but is now represented by Robert Gottlieb, Chairman of Trident Media Group.

Eternal Hearts

ADarkness Within series, Book 2

Jennifer Turner

SYNOPSIS

Toni Tutoro just wants to go home. Banned from Chicago's vampiric society after cutting a swath of violence through the city, she must now successfully complete an investigation for the Lord of Chicago to regain the right to live in her hometown again.

To ensure Toni's safety during her probationary period, Drake Black, a feared assassin, is secretly contracted to protect her. Even with direct orders to keep his relationship professional, and his own personal vow to never get involved with a female vampire again, Drake finds himself drawn to Toni in ways he can't explain. But unbeknownst to him, he's tied to one of the people who drove Toni to her night of destruction.

Drake's legendary heritage holds the key to Toni's survival and success, but will she be able to forgive his connection to the brutal night that robbed her of those she loved most? Will Drake be able to forget the betrayals in his past and risk taking one more chance? But most of all, can they find a way to reach each other in the darkness?

MY REVIEW

4 Stars

This book had great pacing, flowed very-well, and was quite entertaining.The characters intrigued me.The main characters and the secondary characters were all well-differentiated with unique quirks, flaws and mannerisms.I was impressed by this attention to the characters differing personalities because there were so many of them.

This is the 2nd book in this series and unfortunately, I have not had the opportunity to read the first book, Eternal Seduction (A Darkness Within series, book 1); however, that really did not hinder my enjoyment of this book in the least. Enough of the back story was filled in during the telling of this tale so that I was able to relate to specific motivations without problems.For me, this story stands alone just fine though I do admit that if I get the chance and the time I would like to read the first book.

This book has substance and there were plenty of twists that I did not anticipate. The characters were far from stagnant, as the story progresses the reader is able to discover additional insight into their behaviors – some good, some terrible. Most of the characters fall into that disconcerting gray area, neither totally good nor totally evil.I liked the way in which events and conversations masterfully revealed these otherwise hidden traits and feelings. There was good mystery throughout, and a dark feeling of trepidation permeated the pages, and yet a basic optimism of spirit was also tangibly in evidence as the characters made their decisions and, in general, accepted the consequences that resulted. Most assuredly, I am eager to read additional entries by this author.

Authors - Book Tours can give your book additional exposure and help you reach new readers. There are several different plans from which to choose. There are options available that are ideal for modest budgets. To find out more, click the image.

Bloggers - Find out how you can become a Tour Host. To find out more details, click the image.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author in return for a review. I have not received any monetary compensation in return for my honest review, whether positive or negative. Promotional banners and information was provided through Bewitching Book Tours. I am an authorized Tour Host.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Stan Markowski is a Detective Sergeant on the Scranton PD's Supernatural Crimes Investigation Unit. Like the rest of America, Scranton's got an uneasy 'live and let unlive' relationship with the supernatural. But when a vamp puts the bite on an unwilling victim, or some witch casts the wrong kind of spell, that's when they call Markowski. He carries a badge. Also, a crucifix, some wooden stakes, a big vial of holy water, and a 9mm Beretta loaded with silver bullets.

My Review

I loved this book! Set in Scanton, Pennsylvania, a veritable hotbed of paranormal activity, Stan Markowski and his new partner, Karl Renfer, race the clock trying to find out who ritualistically killed a powerful vampire magician. When a spell goes seriously awry, Stan is unwittingly responsible for putting another close friend and colleague in terrible danger.

The uneasy, untested relationship between Stan and Karl was realistic and believable. As their partnership gained cohesion there developed between them a camaraderie and trust that felt very natural. Adversity and occasional set-backs only further cemented their partnership. This book combines nail-biting suspense and contemporary forensic science with a magical element full of twists resulting in the creation of a story that is totally captivating and difficult to put down. I hope this is but the first in a series and there are more escapades in store for us in future installments. Reminiscent of Jim Butcher’s, Dresden Files series and P.N. Elrod’s, Vampire Files, but with a decidedly darker, snarkier tone, this is an author to keep on your radar screen.

Thanks so much to Net Galley and Angry Robot who provided this book to me in return for my honest review.

Monday, June 27, 2011

Today I am thrilled to welcome Roxanne Rhoads. Roxanne has a very special guest post for us today. Roxanne will be giving away a digital copy ofParanormal Pleasures to one lucky commenter. Just comment before July 4th 11:59 PM CDT for your chance to win. The winner will chosen from all eligible entries on July 5th using Random.org.

WINNER ANNOUNCED.....And the WINNER is Beverly!........WINNER ANNOUNCED

Thanks so much to everyone who participated!!

Guest Post

The Story Behind the Stories in Paranormal Pleasures

I started seriously writing fiction in 2005. Before that I only dabbled with it for writing classes. Before then I only wrote non-fiction- from magazine articles to web content and poetry. But not fiction.

So I gave it a shot and found my niche in paranormal erotica. I had always been a fan of paranormal books. Then I found erotica story sites online which piqued my interest plus I had already been writing in the sex community- advice columns, product reviews, etc so I decided to combine my paranormal love and my sex writing- and my short fiction stories were born.

My inspiration came from everywhere and nowhere. I don’t know exactly how it worksJ Some days the muse just smiles and sends ideas my way. Other times she is stingy and shares nothing.

I started with vampires and moved on to witches and demons. One of the stories in this collection (Sea of Blood) first appeared on Tit-elation.com. It’s gone now but I worked as an editor there and started submitting some of my own work. It was for a vampire anthology the site was going to publish. I edited the collection but it sadly never made it to print. Later Sea of Blood was published on Tit-elation’s sister site, Sex-Kitten.net where I was a columnist.

Renata, The Questioning Concubine, and Witch in the Middle all contain characters who might make a few guest appearances in my upcoming vampire series because they are all set in the same world and have connections to my main characters in the series.

Chrissy, in A Halloween to Remember appears in my short story, Tasty Christmas Treats (Eternal Press), though Tasty is set a couple years earlier than Halloween, before she met her husband.

All together eight of the stories in this collection were previously published in eBooks and on websites.

I had many requests to see the stories in print. So I toyed with the idea for quite some time before finally getting around to gathering my available stories that all fit into the paranormal erotica genre and put them into one collection. I even added two new stories that had not been published before.

All of the stories went through several rounds of edits. Both original edits from the first publishing, then my new edits- I even changed a few scenes here and there. Then an author friend, Kiki Howell, went through with fresh eyes and edited the entire collection for me.

And finally it was ready for formatting to go to print. Let me tell you formatting for all the different eBooks and then a different formatting for print is quite tedious when you do it all yourself. But at least I know what I’m doing now.

I had the talented cover artist Dawne Dominique design my cover- and voila Paranormal Pleasures was born. Over five years in the making but it finally arrived.

Ten tantalizing, erotic tales of vampires, witches and demons grace the pages of this short story collection by Roxanne Rhoads.

Step into the darkness and let these tales tempt and tease to satisfy your paranormal cravings.

Eight of Roxanne Rhoads' previous eBook publications appear in print for the first time, along with two brand new, never before published tales of supernatural love and lust.

Paranormal Pleasures is an eclectic collection of erotic paranormal romance short stories written by Roxanne Rhoads that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.I kept the book close over a period of about seven days and read a story or two almost every day.I particularly liked that I could distract myself for five or ten minutes at a time – refreshing little breaks during otherwise rather mundane days.

This ten-story anthology is brimming with exquisitely explicit sexual liaisons that always involve at least one paranormal participant.Not suitable for underage readers or for adults who prefer non-adventuresome, vanilla-flavored romance; the scenes in some of the stories occasionally push the envelope between tasteful and a kind of kinky fantasy. In some of the stories multiple parties participated in the sexual shenanigans. None of the stories, in my opinion, however, were without an intriguing storyline and sound basis for romance. The sex, while HOT and explicit, was described lyrically.These stories showcase Ms Rhoads talent for creating tightly structured short stories with fleshed-out characters the reader can care about and feel empathy for. My favorites were Renata, A Questioning Concubine, and A Halloween to Remember. Which one will become your favorite?

Schedule Your Book Tour

Authors, would you like to schedule a Bewitching Books Online Book Tour?

Then please fill out this form and Roxanne Rhoads will be in touch to set everything up for you.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review. I have not received any monetary compensation in return for my review, whether positive or negative. Promotional banners and information was provided through Bewitching Book Tours. I am an authorized Tour Host.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Born during a fierce snowstorm on the same day in the same hospital, Loie and Mia have been friends their entire lives. Their seventeenth birthday approaches – a day both anticipated and dreaded. For on that day the full extent of Mia’s extraordinary powers will manifest.

When sexy, suave, Andreas moves in next door, late in summer before school starts, Mia and Loie become smitten. A perfect gentleman, Andreas enjoys the company of both girls. All three bond closer when they discover that each of them has suffered a tragic loss in their young lives.

Loie has always felt as if her life rotates around Mia. Mia is beautiful, with a flawless complexion and toned body while Loie is still flat-figured and angular. Still, they are best friends and Loie is always eager to help Mia practice her skills and both always stand up for each other and are truly loyal and caring. As their birthday nears, strange, mythical creatures begin stealthy attacks and Andreas reveals himself as something other than a normal human.

Polished and well-edited, this book was a thoroughly engrossing page-turner for me. It is fast-paced, with witty, often humorous dialogue. The truth, which in the beginning is hidden within a murky sort of haze of conjecture, gossip, and ill-will, is unveiled in bits and pieces. The tangled knots slowly unraveling in a suspenseful way that always kept my interest piqued and my eyes glued to the kindle screen. The relationship between the characters was captured within the prose beautifully and honestly. At times, I was moved almost to tears, and other times I laughed out loud. I have to admit, though, the cliffhanger ending was a disappointment. I just hope that the next installment will be available sooner rather than later.

Friday, June 24, 2011

McKenna Fin is not human. She is a Moirai Priestess apprenticed to the oldest Fate, Atropos. Her job is to protect humans from demons. Since seventeen-year-olds are the most vulnerable to demon attack, she and her sister priestesses are perpetual high school seniors.

An error caused Nathan Quinn to be different from other humans. He can actually see demons and hear their emotions. Nathan has watched McKenna dispatch them by severing their lifethreads. When he is captured by some unusually nasty specimens, McKenna leads the rescue mission.

The three Fates, Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos, respectively, spin, measure, and determine the end of human life. Fathered by Zeus, each is served by a Moirai Priestess. Since he is an imperfect creation, McKenna has been ordered to cut Nathan’s Lifethread. However, unexpected events intervene, Nathan and she develop a special friendship, and McKenna risks everything, including the Fates’s wrath, when the balance in the universe is threatened.

This enjoyable story weaves myth and supernatural horror together. McKenna has been a high school senior for fifty years. At the whim of the Fates, she and her sister priestesses must move each year to a new school, where the local demon infestation requires their unique skills. Personally, I would have preferred the language to have been more mature. The priestesses, though they looked seventeen, were all at least several decades older than that, after all. However, this is a young adult novel, so I imagine the language will appeal especially to younger readers. Mackenzie is a likable heroine with a strong ethical code who is loyal and compassionate. It is also worth mentioning that this self-published book is particularly well-edited and polished. At one point, the word “shutter” is used when the context implies “shudder” but, other than that single occurrence, I noticed no other problems. Overall, I found it to be a fun, engaging read that is filled with plenty of action.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

An avid reader by nature, Erin Jamison dreamed of telling stories of her very own. Mustering her bravado, she forged ahead to create a series of stories that promote individuality, confidence, fearlessness, fortitude, and passion. She writes sensual erotic stories of women who know what they want and aren't afraid to go after it for women who want a bit of a thrill too. Learn more at http://www.erinjamison.com/

Free Book Giveaway Opportunity

Erin is generously offering to give away a free digital copy of Better Than 8 to one lucky person. Just comment for your chance to win. Remember to include your email address, if it is not shown on your profile page, so I can notify you if you are selected from the random drawing to be held on June 25th at 11:45PM CDT.

Blurb:

Amara Simmons has always fantasized about having two lovers but believes it is just that: a fantasy. She likes her men “gifted”, if you know what I mean. At the suggestion of a friend she registers for an online dating website for well-endowed men called www.betterthan8.com She believes nothing will come of her site membership but after months of flirting online via email and instant messaging, she’s shocked to discover that she’s fallen for a gorgeous Latin man that has the potential to be her everything – except he never calls and she has no idea why. Nursing a broken heart she is totally unprepared to meet her would-be Latin lover in person much less at the negotiation table of a multi million-dollar real estate deal. In Puerto Rico, passion ignites. Promises are finally fulfilled and the lines of reality blur when her fantasy finally blooms to life. Can Amara have it all: the deal, the man, and the fantasy?

A Brief Overview of "Better Than 8: Fantasy""Better Than 8: Fantasy" is a series of romance and dating novels written by Erin Jamison. There will be 8 books in the series, with each one focusing on a different aspect of romance, love, and relationships. These books are packed full of exciting stories chronicling a journey to find true love in the rocky and tumultuous dating world.

Several Ways to Enjoy "Better Than 8: Fantasy"Erin Jamison's book series is available in two different formats: paperback books and online e-books. Call or e-mail author Erin Jamison to place an order in the format you prefer.

A Controversial Story of Love and Intrigue"Better Than 8: Fantasy" has been praised as a controversial and engaging piece of literature that highlights the mysterious nature of online dating. If you have dabbled in the world of online romance before, this book will provide you with a brand new perspective.

Guest Blog from Erin Jamison

What Do You Want From A Book?

When you get a book, crack the spine, and turn the page, what are you hoping to get out of the book? Are you seeking to experience your Calgon "take me away" moment? Are you hoping to lose yourself in the world between the pages? I can admit to you that I have an addiction.I am a voyeur.

Mm hmph, mm hmph (nodding my head up and down) ... I admit, it is a problem. It is an addiction that I have had for quite some time now. I developed the habit at thetender age of two years old whenI carried books around as if they were my best friend.I can think of nothing better than being the proverbial fly on the wall privy to characters thoughts, feelings, emotions, anxieties, challenges, and desires. One definition I found was that a voyeur isa person who has an exaggerated interest in viewing, esp. furtively and habitually. That is me. I can't wait to open the next book and immerse myself into the world that the characters live in.

I expect a lot from a book. I want to feel vested in the characters and their lives, passions, insecurities, and flaws. I want to be taken on a journey through the course of a book and feel as though I too have learned a life lesson. i want to be left with a euphoric feeling of contentment and happiness .. and hope. Just as the book ends, the bubbles fade and really floods in quickly. I want that book to leave an impression on me that it can bring a smile to my face in moments of boredom. In moments of apprehension, I want to easily recollect some ridiculous quote from the book that reminds me not to take life so seriously. I want to beinspired by the passion found between great characters to enable me to take a chance on love and remind me not to be so critical. And sometimes, I just want to be entertained.

My debut novella, Better Than 8 Fantasy is out now as an e-book at Amazon, Barnes and Nobel, Goodreads, All Romance Books, and Xinxii. I think the book offers a little bit of everything for everybody. What is that you expect from a book?

Authors, would you like to schedule a Bewitching Books Online Book Tour? Then please fill out this form and Roxanne Rhoads will be in touch to set everything up for you.

Disclaimer

I have not received any monetary compensation in return for my participation as a Tour Host. Promotional banners and information was provided through Bewitching Book Tours. I am an authorized Tour Host.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

It is her senior year, and Analise’s life suddenly becomes extraordinarily complicated. Until a couple of years ago, she was continually transferred from one foster home to another, always alone, always different. Then finally, she was placed with Rose. She and Rose have a connection from the very start, and lovingly Rose has helped the shy girl understand and develop her unique spiritual gifts.

Analise and Nicholas first encounter each other on the astral plane. Analise draws him to her without knowing or understanding what she does. Nicholas is assigned as her protector on the astral plane and eventually becomes corporal in order to better protect her when the threat surrounding her grows in strength and intensity.

As the evil malignancy stalks Analise her friends desperately attempt to forestall its encroachment, Analise also draws the heated attraction of a very popular boy. When this occurs a snooty clique of girls makes it their mission to humiliate, embarrass and belittle Analise at every opportunity. Analise is challenged and tested. This is her story.

This novel is rich in descriptive detail allowing the reader to visualize clearly Analise’s nocturnal battles to discover the secret identity of the abandoned baby and the sad, haunted woman from her nightmares. Sometimes those experiences seem to follow into her waking hours, as well. Analise, a shy introverted girl, tries her best to fit in, but is clearly uncomfortable as the center of attention. Analise, probably because of her lonely childhood, seems overly mature, I had a difficult time relating to her because her emotions so rarely seemed to be those of teenager – she seems almost like an old soul – perhaps because she is? I enjoyed the story, but at times I felt it got somewhat bogged down. There were times when it did not move forward quickly enough to fully engage my attention and, for me, the pacing faltered during those times. On the other hand, the eerie, creepy sense of trepidation was maintained well throughout this mysterious ghost story.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Detective Samantha ‘Sam’ Banter is assigned a cold case involving the murder of a seven-year-old boy. With the help of her partner, Detective Fred Bashir, Sam must solve the case before her rival, Detective Glen Henkson, solves his case. The outcome will lead to the appointment of the new police sergeant.

Sam’s daughter, Maryann, is quiet and withdrawn. She befriends Thomas and Christopher, who, like her, have a secret—gifts that are a result of traumatic episodes in their pasts.

Clarence Hynes has been locked up in the mental institute for a crime he committed two year ago. But was the crime wrong or justified? Clarence, however, is burdened with something far worse.

Can Sam solve her case before her rival? Will Maryann, Thomas, and Christopher share their secret? How does Clarence link them all together?

The Paperboys Club is a supernatural thriller with twists and turns that lead to a shocking conclusion.

I feel this book has an intriguing subject, but I had trouble accepting the idea that a significant promotion would be granted to the candidate who first solved their assigned cold case and that those assignments would be so blatantly skewed. The author weaves multiple story threads, and they kept my interest, but I feel the construction, in a few places, was a hindrance and this story could benefit from some editorial tightening. Some sentences did not make sense though I could generally discern the intended meaning. It seems possible that English may not be the author’s first language, or perhaps this book has been translated from another language. In most cases, there was clear distinction between the various threads when the scenes changed, but there were also instances where the point of view, place, or time radically changed from one paragraph to the next with no warning. I found those disconcerting, and they undeniably broke my concentration and pushed me out of my make-believe realm, even if only for a few moments. I enjoyed this book while I was reading it, but it ended with too many unresolved issues, and I actually wanted to feel a deeper connection to and concern for the characters.

Monday, June 20, 2011

Supernatural negotiator Eve Faulkner is fired after a mission to rescue the mayor’s Son backfires and a secret is revealed that embarrasses the city leader. Outcast and broke, Eve accepts an extremely dangerous job with the Vampire Master, Vincent Sheridan. Eve attempts to discharge her duties in a professional manner, and not allow her growing attraction to Vincent distract her. However, with the vampires and the weres teetering on the cusp of all-out war; a monster of unknown origin loose in the sewers; and the terrible knowledge that, in just a few months, she will undergo a frightening transformation over which she has no control, Sometimes even the best intentions go awry bringing about unforeseen consequences.

From start to finish I was caught up in the action of this fast-paced urban Fantasy adventure. Eve is ultra-loyal to her friends and always follows her own moral code. With her quirky personality and irreverent humor, she is a delight to trail along after as she seems to find herself in unusual and savagely dangerous situations with astonishing regularity. I loved the interactions and banter between all the significant characters. I enjoyed the storyline tremendously, and felt the writing is creative and flows smoothly to a satisfying conclusion that still leaves me eager for the next adventure.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Sabrena is a fairly ordinary young woman who is carefully chosen. Given the gift of immortality, she wakes up and discovers that her body has been altered right along with her mortal status. With just a cryptic taped recording and monetary windfall to assist her, Sebrena carves a new, fabulous life for herself.

As Sabrena’s business prospers a secret council, The Tribunal, becomes concerned about the overt publicity she generates. They send an enforcer named Dakin to escort her in for questioning and possible punishment.

Sabrena’s friends launch a daring rescue. Dakin, though, is a formidable opponent, and persistent; he will achieve his objective of delivering the recalcitrant young diva to the Tribunal’s headquarters.

The chemistry between the irreverent Sabrena and hotshot hunk Dakin causes sparks to fly from their first encounter. Sabrena’s cheeky confidence and general philosophy about life are refreshing, often funny, and occasionally introspective. It’s through her experiences that this story emerges. The characters are all multifaceted and compelling. I feel this book could certainly benefit from some tightening of the structure in a few places, and better proof-reading, particularly in the last half. At times, the story got dragged down by redundancy. However, there are also plenty of instances where the writing positively sparkled; where the way in which the thought was conveyed evinced nothing short of semantic genius. Ms. Bagnell is a natural storyteller, and I hope she will be gifting us with another adventure soon.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

At first disconcerted because I felt as if I were jumping into a story already well in progress, it took a couple of chapters for me to catch-up and start to get a basic understanding of what was transpiring. About a third of the way into the book, I became fully engaged and, especially during the final half I was rapidly clicking to discover what would happen next.

Clinically diagnosed with a mental illness, Sadie is living in a garage apartment thanks to the generosity of her cousin Jen. Sadie and her younger sister, Heather, had a difficult childhood because their mother suffered from an extreme form of mental illness – or so it was believed.

But now, Sadie is changing, becoming something different. With chronic pain in her shoulder blades and neck that is only relieved by Elijah’s caresses, Sadie struggles to appease the concerns of her little sister and carefree cousin. Simultaneously, she deals with the realization that there are forces bent on killing or capturing her for their own purposes. Then there is the prophecy. Nothing is as it seems. Sadie can not even trust her own emotions. She has a desperate longing to believe in a love that Elijah is forbidden to embrace, even though his desire for Sadie is as intense and bewildering as he has ever known. The mortal and the immortal realms are converging. Will the changlings be the key to successfully managing the transition or do they herald the destruction of all?LaurieReviewer for Night Owl Reviews

Friday, June 17, 2011

The Librarian, Mollie Prescott, was attacked just as she was making her final rounds that stormy night. When she awakes in the hospital she has no recollection of the attack, but as the days pass, her strength and health return. In fact, she begins to feel oddly different. Sunlight irritates her eyes, and she craves rare steaks and Bloody Mary’s. Mostly, though, her mind is flooded with erotic images and her body aches for the tall, sexy, stranger with the accent who had rescued her. She longs for his caresses; hungering for him as her mind replays intimate scenes of the two of them entwined together.

Matthew Stanislaus had rescued the prim librarian then tracked the killer, Vasilek, and dispatched him. A vampire slayer, Matthew, returns to find Mollie alive yet different. With difficulty, he attempts to control his lustful cravings for the beautiful victim because he knows it will be his duty to destroy her if she turns and begins to take innocent lives.

This book held my attention from the first page to the very last sentence. The chemistry and interaction between Matthew and Mollie is undoubtedly drool-worthy. Mollie really vamped it up for her final, hilarious date with her stodgy, controlling fiancé, Dan, and his persnickety, boorish parents. Oh yeah, she deserved so much more than what he offered. That is a fun scene and one which I enjoyed so much I reread. I loved the byplay between Matthew and Mollie, even facing danger and an uncertain future, the spontaneity and sparkle between the pair kept me smiling and entertained. The story unfolds at a lively pace and has enough twists that I was never bored. This short read has a delightful mix of humor and suspense and flows flawlessly; there is an easy appeal here that satisfies.

Disclosure Policy

This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. For questions about this blog, please contact lauriej170@gmailcom.

This blog does accept some types of paid advertising, or paid insertions relating to books and/or literary events .

I write for my own purposes. However, I may be influenced by my background, occupation, religion, political affiliation or experience.

This blog often receives free books or book files to read for review purposes. However, the opinions are my own and my review may be positive or negative depending upon my personal enjoyment of the particular book. I do not get any money or other compensation for my reviews.

The owner(s) of this blog is not compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own. This blog does not contain any content which might present a conflict of interest.